John Rhys-Davies Net Worth: Is $5 Million?
Introduction

John Rhys-Davies is a renowned Welsh actor, best known for his roles as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Sallah in the Indiana Jones franchise. With a career spanning decades in both film and television, he has earned a reputation as a versatile actor capable of both dramatic and comedic roles. As of 2023, John Rhys-Davies’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. Known for his towering presence on screen, one of his physical trademarks is his height, standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters).
Personal Details Table
Full Name | John Rhys-Davies |
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Date of Birth | May 5, 1944 |
Birthplace | Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK |
Profession | Actor, Voice Actor |
Nationality | British |
Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Biography

Early Life & Background
John Rhys-Davies was born on May 5, 1944, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. His father was a colonial officer and his mother was a nurse, which meant that Rhys-Davies spent parts of his childhood in various countries, including Tanzania. His exposure to different cultures and his parents’ emphasis on education inspired him to pursue a career in the arts.
Education
Rhys-Davies attended Truro School in Cornwall, after which he studied at the University of East Anglia. He later honed his acting skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), one of the most prestigious drama schools in the UK. His time at RADA allowed him to build the foundation for a career in classical theater and film.
Career Beginnings
John Rhys-Davies began his career in British television in the early 1970s, with roles in series such as I, Claudius and The Naked Civil Servant. He transitioned to film in the late 1970s and gained significant recognition in 1981 when he was cast as Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark. His career took off further when he was cast as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, a role that solidified his status as an iconic actor in the fantasy genre.
Net Worth Overview

Current Net Worth
John Rhys-Davies’s net worth is estimated at $5 million as of 2023. This wealth is primarily derived from his extensive career in film and television, especially through his roles in globally successful franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.
Sources of Income
- Film and TV Roles: His primary source of income comes from acting in major blockbuster films and popular TV shows.
- Voice Acting: Rhys-Davies has lent his distinctive voice to animated films, video games, and audiobooks, supplementing his income.
- Conventions and Appearances: His participation in fan conventions and public appearances related to his iconic roles also adds to his earnings.
- Theater: Throughout his career, Rhys-Davies has remained active in theater, performing in numerous stage productions.
Net Worth Growth
Year | Net Worth |
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2010 | $3 million |
2015 | $4 million |
2020 | $4.5 million |
2023 | $5 million |
Major Investments
John Rhys-Davies has kept his financial investments private, but it is believed that his wealth is supplemented by investments in real estate, primarily in the United Kingdom.
Spouse Details

Name of Spouse
John Rhys-Davies was married to Suzanne Wilkinson until her passing in 2010. The couple was together for over three decades.
Current Relationship
Since his wife’s death, Rhys-Davies has maintained a relatively private personal life. He is reported to have a long-term partner, Lisa Manning.
Children
John Rhys-Davies has two sons and one daughter. Despite his busy career, he has emphasized the importance of family throughout his life.
Career Achievements
Notable Milestones
- 1981: Played Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark, marking his first major role in a blockbuster film.
- 1989: Reprised his role as Sallah in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
- 2001–2003: Starred as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, one of his most iconic and beloved roles.
- 2004: Provided voice acting for Treebeard in The Lord of the Rings.
- 1990s-Present: Continued to work in television, theater, and voice acting, diversifying his career.
Career Progression
Rhys-Davies’s early work in British television and theater allowed him to establish himself as a versatile performer. His breakthrough came with his role in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which catapulted him to international fame. He followed this success with roles in other major films, most notably The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the later years of his career, Rhys-Davies expanded into voice acting and remained active in television, including appearances in Sliders and other productions.
Popular Achievements Table
Achievement | Details |
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Iconic Film Role | Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy |
Hit Films | Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade |
Voice Acting | Treebeard in The Lord of the Rings, Gargoyles (TV) |
Television Success | Sliders (1995–2000) |
Key Lessons and Famous Quotes

Key Lessons
- Longevity in Career: Rhys-Davies’s ability to stay relevant over decades showcases the importance of adaptability and versatility in the entertainment industry.
- Embrace Iconic Roles: He took pride in his characters, especially Gimli, showing that iconic roles can leave a lasting legacy.
- Diversity in Work: By working across various mediums—film, television, voice acting—Rhys-Davies has proven the value of exploring different opportunities.
Famous Quotes
- “The two most important things in life are good friends and a strong bullpen.”
- “I’m not interested in reality television; I find it frightfully banal.”
- “One of the joys of being an actor is being able to work across different kinds of mediums.”
Social Profiles Table
Platform | Link |
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Not publicly active | |
Twitter/X |
FAQs
- What is John Rhys-Davies’s net worth?
John Rhys-Davies’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2023. - How tall is John Rhys-Davies?
John Rhys-Davies stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters). - What is John Rhys-Davies best known for?
He is best known for his roles as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings and Sallah in the Indiana Jones franchise. - Does John Rhys-Davies have children?
Yes, he has three children: two sons and one daughter.
Final Words
John Rhys-Davies has had an illustrious career filled with iconic roles that have left an indelible mark on the world of film and television. His portrayal of Gimli in The Lord of the Rings has become a pop culture staple, while his earlier work in Indiana Jones cemented his place in Hollywood history. Rhys-Davies’s impressive body of work, combined with his towering height and memorable performances, ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and fans alike.